I was asked recently to list the books I have that are useful or vital to self sufficiency. We have a lot. One large three shelf bookcase in the kitchen forms half of our "reference library" - It covers cooking, gardening and self sufficiency. I have left out from this list myriad cook books and flower gardening etc. as they probably do not apply directly to self sufficiency.
Now the books - rather than list them I have photographed them - The titles and authors should all be visible (although you may have to click on the link to get a larger picture). I have tried to group them by category, but the categories are loose. I've commented on each category on what I think are "seminal" books.
Here we go
The Backbone
When trying to plan a garden or a self sufficient lifestyle you need to think and plan in broad strokes. I find John Seymours work great for that. Often it leads on to me buying a more specialised volume, but a plan has levels - and for a "high level" plan these are, in my opinion, the best. I have both but one is more garden oriented - the other more small holding. Pick one or both.
Books 1 - the backbone by British Red, on Flickr
Handy additions to the backbone
Both of the illustrated books contain a myriad of useful information. I find they contain some information on many tasks I need to undertake. I found both nowhere near as good at the "broad brush planning" as the Seymour books, but contain more detailed information on a specific task. The top four together will get you going on most things!
Books 2 - handy additions by British Red, on Flickr
Useful Planning
I do also like these three books as supplements to planning out your enterprise. Of the three probably "five acres and independence" is the best - but only after you have the Seymour ones
Books 4 - useful planning by British Red, on Flickr
Handy General Purpose stuff
There are lots of books out there that come at things from a historical angle - or truly historical books. Of those interested, the titles on the left are of limited value to a smallholder other than sparking a "further interest". Those on the right (Foxfire series and "Manufacturers Practical Recipes" contain good, solid, information and are worth having
Books 3 - Handy general purpose by British Red, on Flickr
General Garden Books
Clearly growing produce is at the backbone of self sufficiency so we have many volumes on the subject
As additions to the Seymour volume, we find Bob Flowerdews stuff excellent. He's an organic garden, so if that's not your thing, buy another. The basic "Garden Expert" book should be on everyones bookshelf - for its planning seasons stuff if nothing else
Books 5 - basic garden by British Red, on Flickr
Forest Gardening
For some, Forest Gardening (in a nutshell, planting a perennial garden without much rotation) is the way to go. There are many books on the subject but its not how we work in the main - so we have this one
Books 6 - Forest Garden by British Red, on Flickr
Garden Specialisms
There are a wealth of specialist books on one aspect of gardening. Of these I strongly reccomend the RHS pruning book if you inted to keep fruit bushes or trees. The seed saving book is a must if you intend to grow heirloom (non hybrid) plants and keep seeds for next year. The River cottage book is good - but not as good as their Bread book
Books 7 - Specialist by British Red, on Flickr
Herbs
If you have a general interest in growing and using herbs - wither of these will see you right
Books 8 - Herbal by British Red, on Flickr
Medicinal Preparations
Of these the James Wong is the more accesible but the Hedgreow Medicine more in depth.
Books 9 - Medicinal by British Red, on Flickr
Storing Food
Well, once you've grown it, you have to keep it fresh for when you need it - all of these books are great (and don't dismiss the freezing one - I had no idea of the right way to freeze more obscure fruits and veg)
Books 10 - Food Preserving General by British Red, on Flickr
Pickles, Jams and Preserves
This is one of the nicest and most fun things I find - from a home grown mustard to a Thai sweet chilli sauce. Marguerite Patton is of course a goddess and her book is the best
Books 11 - Pickles & Jam by British Red, on Flickr
"Pressure Canning"
If you are going to get into pressure canning - and its a great way to preserve meat and low acid veg - Start with the Balls Blue Book and go from there
Books 12 - Canning by British Red, on Flickr
Other Preserving
ALL of these books are "best of breed" - if you have an interest in the subject matter
Books 13 - butchery, cheese and root cellars by British
Red, on Flickr
Livestock Handling
This is a huge subject in its own right - we are planning to move on to chickens, ducks, bees and perhaps pigs - but I'm no expert here. You will need books though on species, handling, ailments, housing etc.
Books 14 - Livestock by British Red, on Flickr
Crafts
I don't mean crafts in a hippy tie-dye way. I mean making the things you need and use. The list is endless bus soap making is a great place to start
Books 15 - crafts by British Red, on Flickr
Specialised Crafts
Some of these facinate me intellectually (e.g. distilling) but making your own vinegar is a huge step towards those chutneys and the Bread book is awesome - everything you need to know about bread by hand.
Books 18 - Make your own by British Red, on Flickr
"Building"
You are going to have to build stuff. Maybe not a home, but a fence, a door, a gate. My favourite of these are "Handy farm devices and how to make them" and the BTCV fencing manual - I guarantee you will use both
Books 16 - DIY by British Red, on Flickr
The Good Life
Most of us want treats and a glass of something at day's end. All of these are good. The CJJ Berry is a good primer on wine and where I started
Books 17 - Wine and sweets by British Red, on Flickr
Clearly that is not all you would need to know about self reliance - but it would be my choice for starting out
Red
